If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are several treatment options that may be recommended to you including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments to help fight the cancer. However, keep in mind that your treatment options will vary depending on your age, overall health, and the advancement of the disease.
Once you have been diagnosed and given a prognosis for the disease, it is essential that you become fully informed of all the treatment options available for your individual case. This is so you can make the best decision that would comply with your personal and emotional health. Keep in mind that some doctors may recommend you enroll in clinical trials that are testing new mesothelioma treatments or may introduce new approaches such as immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and gene therapy. Any of these treatments may be the right one for you. Just be sure to talk openly with your doctor and get all the information you need to make the right decision for you. Below are some questions you should ask your doctor about mesothelioma treatment options:
- Why is this treatment the best one for my particular case?
- What exactly does this treatment entail?
- What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment option?
- What are potential risks and side effects of this treatment?
- How do you predict I’ll respond to this treatment?
- What is the rate of survival for this treatment?
- What is the mortality rate associated with this treatment?
